EDMT’s Honk! Jr., The Ugly Duckling Musical
A Review by Tracy Cameron
Staff Writer
El Dorado Musical Theatre’s Honk! Jr. runs July 6-22, 2012 at Three Stages Performing Arts Center at Folsom Lake College in Folsom, and features child performers ages 6-14. Honk first debuted in 1993. It is based on Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Ugly Duckling”, with music by George Stiles and book and lyrics by Anthony Drewe. Honk won England’s Olivier Award in 2000 for Best Musical (equal to our American Tony Award). The story reminds us to accept others who are unusual or different.
Honk takes place in the countryside, and is about an odd looking baby duck, Ugly (Zach Wilson), who is rejected by everyone but his mother. He is lured away by a tom cat, Ida (Kelly Maur), who wants to eat him. He eventually escapes, but doesn’t know how to return home, and searches for his mother. On his way home, he meets Penny (Marisa Wong), a swan, tangled in a fish line, helps her get untangled, and they fall in love. However, she must return with her flock and fly south for the winter. Will Ugly find his mother? Will Ugly find Penny, and will they find true happiness? You will have to see the musical to find out.
The costumes were designed by Tina Wojcik, and are bright and cheerful. The animals are represented by a few ‘touches’ such as yellow costumes for chicks, but there were no beaks or feathers. You have to use your imagination to picture Ida, Ugly, ducklings, froglets, goose squadron leaders, jaybird groupies, FBI agents, a crossing guard, flight attendants, and the other characters. Cindy Gebhardt styled the wigs the characters wore. The musical is as much about people as ducks. Listening to mama duck talk to her babies about “nest rules” reminded me of discussions with my two children about our house rules.
It was wonderful to see so many youth performing. There was never a missed step when the ensemble was performing. Zach Wilson does an excellent job as Ugly. This musical is for all ages. I especially liked the musical numbers where the entire company performed, including “The Wild Good Chase”. This number included geese in flight suits and flight attendants.
The musical was well received by everyone, and we were surrounded by friends and family of the cast. We sat next to one woman who had brought her daughter for the first time and was impressed. We would recommend this musical to friends and encourage them to go see it. We drove from Grass Valley and it is worth the drive. Honk! Jr., The Ugly Duckling Musical is entertaining for all ages…get your tickets now! Ticket prices range from $12-$25 and can be purchased online at www.threestages.net or by calling the Three Stages Box Office at 916-608-6888. Bargain Performances on Thursday July 12th at 7:00 pm and on Thursday, November 19th at 7:00 pm, are offered with all seats only $12.00!
Three Stages at Folsom Lake College in Folsom is a new facility and only opened February 2011. There is a café where you can purchase coffee, pastries, water, cookies, sodas, and juices during intermission. EDMT’s Production of Honk! Jr., The Ugly Duckling Musical is sponsored in part by Mechanics Bank, The Gift of Kids Daycare and Preschool, Parker Development Company, Business Workspaces and Fireman’s Association. For more information about registration, roles or fees, visit www.edmt.info or call (916) 941-SING.
EDMT is an award-winning regional theatre company based in El Dorado Hills, California featuring performers aged 6-20. EDMT was founded in 2001 and is a Non-Profit Organization. EDMT produces four major productions per year. The new season beginning in the fall of 2012 includes Seussical the Musical, Legally Blonde, the Musical, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and Bye Bye Birdie. Additionally, EDMT produces an annual training show for performers ages 5-9, no experience is required.
Ticket prices range from $12.00-$25.00 and can be purchased online at www.threestages.net or by calling The Three Stages Box Office at (916) 608-6888. You can also find out more about EDMT at www.edmt.info or by calling (916)941-SING. Courtesy photo: Three Stages, Folsom, CA
Back to Top
